Where Does Energy Come From?
Non-Renewable energy sources come out of the ground as liquids, gases and solids. These sources cannot be replenished during our lifetimes. Coal, oil, natural gas, petroleum and uranium ore (used for nuclear energy productuion) are non-renewable energy sources.
Renewable energy sources can either be replenished in a short period of time or are not impacted by our use. The five renewable sources used most often include hydropower (water), solar(sun), wind, geothermal and biomass.
The United States Department of Energy gives us the following information about energy sources available in the U.S., regrouped into renewable and non-renewable:
More Information
|
Cape Lookout Study Program's
Renewable Energy System
In short, the old Coast Guard station, used primarily for educational retreats, is powered by nature. Using the natural energy of the sun and the wind, enough energy can be stored up in batteries (over a two-three day period) to serve the needs of a group of 18 people for three-days/two nights.
What are the main components of this system?
- 3 Solar panels to heat water,
- An 80 gallon solar hot water storage tank,
- 10 solar panels to produce electricity,
- A wind turbine to produce electricity,
- A bank of twenty-eight golf cart batteries to store the electricity produced,
- And, components to regulate and meter the generation and storage of energy.
More Information
|
Energy Around The House:
How is Energy measured?
Volts X Amps= Watts
What is a volt?
A volt is the pressure at which electricity moves through a wire….think of blood pressure in the human body.
What is an amp?
An amp is the volume at which electricity moves through a wire.
What is a watt?
A watt is a measure of energy…like a cup of water.
Watts x1,000 = kilowatts(kw) or
1 kilowatt(kw) = 1,000watts
KW's x hours used per day =
Daily Kilowatt-hour(kwh)
How much energy does it take ....
...to watch TV?
...to run the air conditioner?
...make a pot of coffee?
...turn on a light?
More Information
|
Renewable Energy
For Your House?
In North Carolina, 60% of the electricity comes from the burning of coal, 32% from Nuclear, Oil and Gas make up a combined 3.5%, and the final 4.5% comes from either Hydro-electric or 'other'. At most, 4.5% of the electricity used in NC, is renewable.
Coal-fired plants produce pollutants that can increase cases of smog, acid rain, mercury pollution, and can cause respiratory distress in humans. The significant release of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion may be increasing the potential of global warming.
Why use renewable energy?
- Improve regional air quality and the environment
- Sources for renewable energy are virtually everywhere and can be constantly replenished.
- Renewable energy will not run out- ever!
- Supports local jobs and the economy in North Carolina
- Reduces dependence on fuel sources from other states and/or countries.
- Using 'free' sources of energy, such as the sun, wind, and geothermal heat, your monthly household expenses are reduced, sometimes significantly.
- And, currently the state of North Carolina is providing tax incentives for installing renewable energy systems for your home and/or small business.
More Information
|
